Question:I have been out of shape for at least 14 years and have been exercising three days a week for the past five weeks. I must admit that it is not fun at all and is hard to muster the energy to do it, but I have managed to so far. How can I make it more fun and enjoyable?
Answer: The first thing to do is to be patient. You have been out of action for a very long time, and your body is more accustomed to lack of activity, so give it time. In the beginning, getting your body back on track is going to be tough and, yes, sometimes boring, but it will be worth it in the long run.
However, it is up to each individual to place themselves and their bodies under the best possible conditions.
This initial four- to five-week period is crucial because this is when most people get frustrated and then return to their old habits. After more than 14 years off and only five weeks of exercise, don't expect miracles because you haven't yet proved to your body that what you are doing is going to last. Your body operates and responds based on what you do most consistently over time, not what you do once in awhile.
Dig in and don't let yourself fall prey to impatience and temptations of fads and gimmicks.
Do it the right way by starting slowly and accepting the challenge of hard work.
There are going to be days when you have to drag yourself to lift weights or take a walk, but the payoff will be a consistently improving body, level of fitness, quality of life and feeling of accomplishment.
To have fun, choose an activity that you like to do and then choose other forms of exercise that support that activity and provide variation so you have options.
Your mind and body will stay fresh and constantly challenged.
Dave Patania is a certified personal trainer.